So I am in a position where the men in my life (boyfriend and dad) are getting really excited about light road bikes and are trying to convince me to try them out. My boyfriend recently got a Trek 1.1 and my dad has always been into performance bikes. Normally I would just ignore this but my interest in trying out different types of bikes keeps me slightly interested. So I've been looking at bikes but just can't like any of the new bikes out there. They really don't appeal to me aesthetically, nor do I get that pang in my heart of "I want that!". I'm just a classic/vintage kind of girl I guess.

I found a couple of bikes that might do, but was wondering if anyone knew anything about them.
The first is a 1985? Cannondale SD500. Its aluminum with a steel fork, pretty teal color, nitto stem & bar (all of which appeal to me). http://s263.photobucket.com/albums/i...urrent=002.jpg

Would either of these be good bikes to experiment with (relatively) "light/fast" road bikes? Are there any other bikes I should be looking out for? I know I won't truly know how they'll do until I try them out for myself, but I thought I'd hear everyone else's opinion/experience.

I've got a Centurion Ironman Expert, and aside from it sounding like a POS from Wal-Mart (Mine needs a number of things replaced) it's a great bike. I'll be modernizing it at least somewhat, not sure if I want to go with brifters and 9 or 10 speed, or bar ends and 8 or 9 speed. Depends on what I feel like spending. Either way, it's the bike I decided on instead of saving up for something made of carbon fiber.

I also had a Schwinn 564 when I was first getting into cycling, which is probably similar to that Cannondale. It had a very harsh ride. Unless the road was perfectly smooth, I just didn't enjoy being on it that much. Of course, I don't know if the Cannondale will be that bad.

I'd spend some effort looking for an old steel bike. You can't beat the ride of a lugged Reynolds or Columbus frame. They're out there you just have to look. You should be able to find an old Trek or Bianchi, then after you've ridden it and fallen in love, have it repainted or powdercoated anyway you like.

I owned an Ironman, and it was pretty decent. If it is in pristine condition, and the price is right, and it fits you properly ... go for it! You can at least ride it for awhile until you find something else, but you will probably really like the Centurion and not want to part with it. They are very well regarded, and they have quite a loyal following here on B.F.

If you go to the HB bike shop to look at the Cdale you might find other bikes there to try in your size range. That's a plus. The prices seem to be all full market or even higher but according to his web site all bikes have been serviced, tuned and have new parts as needed. His prices are firm though as stated.

The Ironman is from a local flipper I believe and is way more than I have ever sold one for but perhaps there is wiggle room on the price. I have seen his bikes priced high and sit there for a long time.
If it were a Master with 600 bits and immaculate them maybe $325 but not $390 for an Expert with 105 IMO. And it's not "rare", at least not in the SoCal market.

If you, your BF or Dad has the time, tools and skills to find a bike that needs a little work you can score a much better deal than one from the HB shop or a flipper. If you want something ready to ride there are plenty of choices on CL in your market.

I like a newer Cannondale vintage, about 10 years newer, when they lightened up the frame but also took steps to mitigate the harshness.

I've had a few of the Centurions, putting it mildly, and am a fan of that frame.
It's the classic "Miami Vice" model. Though they can be a styling challenge, they are instantly recognized.
I've been looking for one for a while and think I've made a deal once again for that model.

Those things are conversation starters almost everywhere.
If your boyfriend doesn't like it, don't worry, some guy riding steel will definitely chat you up,
(and boyfriends, of course, can be replaced. There are only so many Ironman bikes.)

Your dad will probably recognize it for the icon it is.
Sally Hansen makes a "Fuscia Fuscia" nail polish that matches the bike fairly well, for touchup.

I can't see the ads, but pricewise, follow the lead of others in your area here on C&V.
They know their stuff.

My vote, obviously, is for the Ironman, if the price is right.
Excellent frame, excellent components, and very easily upgradeable to modern shifters.

Between those two bikes, the Cannondale looks to have been serviced and I'm seeing older gum wall tires that might need to be replaced on the Centurion, at least. I would prefer the Shimano components on the 'fuschia' expert over the Suntour.

Aside from the small issues like tires and (well, not so small) brake hoods, I'd go for the Ironman because it's steel. If there's any accidental bike abuse, it will probably last longer than the Cdale, just based on tubing wall thickness and the potential for beer canning.

Hope you're 5' 8" or taller; both of those bikes are sized for a rider at least that tall. You could always install a shorter stem, of course, if you're a tallish woman with long legs and short torso.

If it fits, I'd get the Cannondale. The "harsh ride" of aluminum bikes is a myth. "Road buzz" is nearer the mark; the larger diameter aluminum frame tubes amplify noise transmitted from the tires. People notice the "buzz" and mistakenly think that it has something to do with the "ride" of the bike.

Wow thanks for all the help! Looks like everyones voting for the Centurion.

I think I might look at some of the bikes at the LBS, ride them, and compare them to the ones at HB and the Centurion. There are some Jamis steel bikes that might be the closest to what I would like in a new bike.
Luckily my boyfriend is fine with whatever I do. It's my dad who is stuck in the fancy new racing bike mindset.

Trakhak, luckily I'm just over 5'8" so these should fit me. I'm interested in riding aluminum just for the sake of trying out different frame material, but at the same time I really do like that Centurion.

Also I going to have to agree with Frantik. I think aesthetic preference is really just a personal thing, not neccessarily a gender thing (just look at all the C&V bikes rebuilt to have a certain aestheitc). The thing is that a lot of bikes made these days err to a more masculine/competitive look. If it is designed for a woman it either has the same look with some pink thrown in or has some flower or bird decals. I'm sure there are some people that like this, but it's not what I prefer.

If you decide to buy from HB, please see the bike in person and take someone along with you that knows what to look for (for your own safety). Contrary to what he advertises, he puts in minimal work, if any into the bikes. My bike came with the following:

Dented frame
Broken rear axle, later broken spoke due to all spokes being bent near hub flange next to freewheel
Poorly tensioned front wheel, later discovered bearings were shot and races severely pitted. For safety reasons, retired both wheels.
Worn out chain (stretched 1/8")

Your enthusiasm for vintage bicycles is understood but should be tempered with caution. An older bike, well kept is worth its price, a worn out one is not and at minimum can cost quite a bit to repair, at worst case can cost you life and limb.

If you decide to buy from HB, please see the bike in person and take someone along with you that knows what to look for (for your own safety). Contrary to what he advertises, he puts in minimal work, if any into the bikes. My bike came with the following:

Dented frame
Broken rear axle, later broken spoke due to all spokes being bent near hub flange next to freewheel
Poorly tensioned front wheel, later discovered bearings were shot and races severely pitted. For safety reasons, retired both wheels.
Worn out chain (stretched 1/8")

Your enthusiasm for vintage bicycles is understood but should be tempered with caution. An older bike, well kept is worth its price, a worn out one is not and at minimum can cost quite a bit to repair, at worst case can cost you life and limb.

Wow, sorry to hear that! That sucks.
Yeah, we've visited his little "shop" a couple of times. And you're right, you have to know what you're looking for. The only thing he has for him is the huge selection of bikes he has. Unfortunately it is because of this that his prices are so high because he has so much overhead. My boyfriend bought a really nice Fuji Del Ray but because he puts such crappy parts on it he has had to replace half the parts on the bike.